Each year, the top restaurants in the United States await the announcement of the James Beard Foundation’s list of semifinalists for its annual awards recognition. The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to celebrate, nurture and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire — and the foundation serves many purposes, but its annual awards are what it has become best known for.
The semifinalists are whittled down to an elite list of finalists, and they’re announced at a gala in New York City. In addition to restaurant and chef winners, there are also book, broadcast and journalism winners as well.
Among the most coveted awards is the Best New Restaurant, given for “a restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.” This year, Shaya in New Orleans took home the award.
Awards are also given for the best restaurants in different U.S. regions, as well as Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Pastry Chef, Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Wine Program and Rising Star Chef of the Year. To see the complete list of winners, visit the James Beard website.
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